Along with Fritt Ord and the Cultural Business Development Foundation Sparebank1 Nord-Norge, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is establishing the new foundation called Artica Svalbard, to pave the way for art and cultural activities on Svalbard.

The Artica Svalbard Foundation will have several objectives:

• Help develop the field of Norwegian art and culture by encouraging artists in all genres to create and communicate art;
• Strengthen cultural and creative industry on Svalbard and generally promote interest in Svalbard as a destination;
• Have an international and Arctic focus and, through public events, help focus on and discuss the importance of the High North.

“I hope that culture workers and artists from all fields can draw inspiration from the unique nature on Svalbard. Along with the private co-founders, we would like to promote international interest in Svalbard and the High North, and to contribute to the development of art in Norway”, comments Minister of Culture Linda Hofstad Helleland.